by Tom Gallo (@lookatmyrecords)
“Wage Slave,” the latest single from Brighton, U.K. based indie-pop outfit Psychic Shakes, laments the monotony and lack of fulfillment that comes with low wage employment. It’s a familiar story that many can relate to and Max McLellan, the man behind Psychic Shakes, conveys this tale against a backdrop of jangly guitars, a downtempo beat, and a sleek rhythm. Through washed out vocals, he laments “there's only kitchen work and shitty pay,” which may seem tiring and laborious, but he concedes that he “can’t complain,” shining a bit of hope on his narrative. McLellan strings the entire song together with a ringing, hooky riff that seeps out of the verses and the reverberating chorus.
“Wage Slave” will appear on Psychic Shakes next EP, which will be released later this year on Good Eye Records.